BENEATH CALM WATERS is a cinematic tone poem evoking the scene of a gigantic sea creature rising from the depths below to wreak havoc on an ill-fated cruise ship passing through its domain. Below the French horns performing the main melody, the violins and violas play harmonics, while the cello and double bass tremolos mimic the rise of the giganteum from a distance while imminent doom fills the passengers with horror. Artificial harmonics are strongly advised in the exposition. The slower middle section is ominous, suggesting the leviathan resubmerging beneath the waves. Low strings and woodwinds alternate on the melody while harp and violin glissandi add to the feeling of impending danger. The piece ends dramatically, with the rhythmic motiffs from the main theme returning followed by a brief chorale, then ending with a final burst of frantic energy, concluding the scene with an air of suspense.
| Arrangement | Orchestra |
| NumberOfPages | 24 |
| Publisher | Lauren Keiser Music Publishing |
| Language | English |
| ISBN | 9798892705998 |
| UPC | 196288216858 |